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Wanted Talent Is What It Do!

By Lue Dowdy

It’s a Love Jones type of vibe every last Wednesday of the month in Temecula at Shooter Sports Bar and Grill!

Tap in for “SO YOU SAY”, a night of Poetry and R&B music in your ear. Lue Productions showcases amazing artists from all over. If you would like to perform, please contact Lue Productions immediately for your spot.  Doors open at 8:00 pm, open mic starts at 8:15 pm ending at 9:15 pm, and main acts begin at 9:30 pm. There’s no performance fee and there’s no entry fee. We vibe out till 1:00 am with DJ TAI and your host LUE Dowdy. Grown and sexy only!

Remember Shooters Sport Bar and Grill every last Wednesday of the month. For Booking information, text 909.567.1000 or email Lue.info@yahoo.com.

Crafton Hills College students attend the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Annual Conference

YUCAIPA, CA— In October, Crafton Hills College (CHC) student leaders attended the annual summit conference of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). Attendees met and shared ideas about promising practices in the education of Hispanic and Latinx students and opportunities in furthering their education and finding rewarding employment.

The conference invites HACU member institutions to collaborate, form alliances and partnerships and share strategies for promoting greater educational equity and achievement for Hispanic/Latinx students.

CHC is a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), with 50 percent of its students identifying as Hispanic or Latinx. The college was recently recognized as a 2021 Equity Champion for Excellence in Transfer for Latinx students, an award given to California community colleges that confer high rates to associate degrees for transfer to Hispanic/Latinx students.

The college sent a handful of its students to attend the conference, including English major and Executive Assistant to the Student Government Sean Ceballos. He said he was excited to participate in the forum and learn about his options as a Latinx student in higher education. Ceballos started college a decade ago but soon dropped out. He returned recently to complete his education after becoming “flooded with ambition and an urge to make a change somewhere in the world.”

“Attending the conference allowed me to rub elbows with business professionals and learn what opportunities are present for someone in my situation,” he said. “I was able to get a lot of tips and advice, as well as make connections with people who could help me in my journey. I want to break so many generational curses and stigmas that follow someone like me with my background. I’m a disabled, queer minority with a troubled past, but a bright future.”

Students were given the opportunity to network and learn about internships, scholarships and job opportunities. The conference offered many workshops and panels with practical and soft skills, including tips for overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence in others.

Ceballos said the conference “emboldened” him and created new relationships that he hopes to someday develop into mentorships.

“With the knowledge, connections, and experience gained from the HACU conference, I know I can move forward with my professional goals at full steam and know that the opportunities are endless and that the professional world is becoming so much more inclusive,” said Ceballos. “There’s a place for me out there, and the conference has made me understand that.”

 

Ceballos said that all Hispanic/Latinx students should consider attending the HACU conference, especially if their goal is to create better opportunities for future generations.

Black on the Block: An Entrepreneur’s Expo and Job Fair

An entrepreneur’s and job fair event called ‘Black on the Block’ will be held on from 12 noon-4:00pm on Sunday, December 12, 2021. It is brought by Tomorrow’s World Non-Profit Organization.

For vendors wishing to participate and sponsor the event have until 5:00pm Monday, December 6, 2021, to register.

You can register for the event at the link below.

Free Dental Services, Live Music, Food Trucks, and More

The event features a vaccination clinic, resources for free dental services, live music, food trucks, a 3 on 3 basketball
tournament, a community painting project and local business vendors.

Other NPO (Non-Profit Organizations) are also trying to conduct inclusive growth events such as My Brother’s Keeper Alliance supported by the Obama Foundation. It is an independent, corporate sponsored, non-profit group that looks to find creative ways to help African American and Hispanic boys and young men find a clear path to jobs and a happy life, among other things.

About Black on the Block

Black on the Block is organized and spearheaded by 100% volunteer community partners and is supported through donations which fund venue, activities for children and families, and a free lunch for children under the age of 12.

All event proceeds are donated to Tomorrow’s World, a local non-profit 503(c)3 organization serving homeless and mental health patients via providing safe living spaces and life skills since 2001.

Holiday Drive-Thru Toy and Book Collection

Tis’ the season to join us for some Holiday fun! Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Reyes personally invites you to our Holiday Drive-Thru Event on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm. As we celebrate the holidays a little differently this year, we still can make a difference in the lives of the children in the community. Help us by donating a new, unwrapped book or toy!

This is a great opportunity to receive information on services the assembly office provides.

Holiday Drive-Thru Toy and Book Collection

Tuesday, December 14th

3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Court Street Square

349 N E St, San Bernardino, CA 92401

 

RSVP: bit.ly/AD47HOLIDAY

 

For more information, contact maha.rizvi@asm.ca.gov or by calling our office at 909-381-3238

SB City Library Foundation Participates in Giving Tuesday November 30

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Giving Tuesday is a Global Day of Generosity that will take place on Nov. 30. This is the second year that the San Bernardino City Library Foundation, Inc. (SBCLF) is participating in this online event.

The SBCLF seeks to meet its goal of raising $6,000 by encouraging your families, friends and neighbors to help support the public libraries.

Unleash your power by donating to the SBCLF, which supports local residents of all ages and backgrounds through free programs such as the K-adult education, online tutoring program Brainfuse and the online e-book and audiobook lending service Overdrive.

Online donations may be made by using the link below or send a check to the SBCLF, address below, and include “Giving Tuesday” in the memo line to indicate it is for the fundraiser. 2021 Giving Tuesday Fundraiser | Giving Tuesday (mightycause.com) . Donations can be made through December 31.

The SBCLF is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation created to provide funding for areas of education, programming, materials, capital improvements and special projects that are beyond the usual and customary funding received by the Library from the City of San Bernardino.

Information is available at 909-381-8211.

Remembering Lisa Blacksher Owens: Community Activist/Educator/Businesswoman

Mrs. Lisa Blacksher Owens was called home to be with the Lord on November 18, 2021.  She was fondly known as Lady Lisa, First Lady of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and spouse of Dr. Michael Andrew Owens, Senior Pastor.  Lisa was the former Chief of Staff for the Honorable Wilmer Amina Carter, Assembly Member of the 62nd District and Chief of Staff for the Honorable Cheryl Brown, Assembly Member of the 47th District.  Also, she was an educator and principal for Temple Learning Center, former business owner, and worked in the banking industry as project director.  Community service and being a voice for the voiceless was taught at an early age.   Lisa grew up attending Temple Missionary Baptist Church where she served over the years on the usher board, youth choir, mentor, technology team, and performing missionary work. Over the years, Lisa advocated for causes in the community holding various positions with Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. Eta Nu Omega Chapter, The Inland Ivy Foundation, San Bernardino NAACP, and former president for Social Lites, Inc.  She enjoyed fellowshipping with friends and family, traveling, shopping, reading, and helping those in need.

As an undergraduate, Lisa became a member of the oldest black Greek letter organization, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Lambda Alpha Chapter on the campus of California State University, Long Beach where she majored in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance followed by graduating with an MBA Degree from Arizona State University.  Also, Lisa graduated from San Bernardino High School where she met and married the late Pastor Anthony Blacksher.

Lady Lisa has been awarded a crown of life.  She will live in our hearts forever.  The family invites the community to a memorial service in her honor.

Viewing will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on December 2, 2021, at Temple Missionary Baptist Church. 1583 W. Union Street, San Bernardino, California 92411.  Dr. Raymond W. Turner, Sr. Pastor. Tributes, reflections, and remarks of Lisa’s kindness are welcomed at the viewing.

Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on December 3, 2021, at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 1575 W. 17th Street, San Bernardino, CA  92411.  Dr. Michael Andrew Owens, Sr. Pastor.

Interment will be held at a later date at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA  92518.

Donations can be made to any of the following scholarship funds:

  • Wilmer Amina Carter Foundation
  • The Social Lites, Inc. Scholarship Foundation
  • New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
  • Temple Missionary Baptist Church
  • The Inland Ivy Foundation
  • San Bernardino NAACP

Metrolink Helps SoCal Avoid Holiday Traffic; Offers $10 Holiday Pass on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday

LOS ANGELES – With Thanksgiving week traffic projected to approach pre-pandemic levels, Metrolink, southern California’s regional passenger rail service, will offer relief from the stress of gridlock at an affordable cost. This year, on both Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday, Metrolink will offer a $10 Holiday Pass that allows riders unlimited trips anywhere Metrolink travels for the entire day the pass is purchased. Metrolink will offer its usual Saturday schedule on those two days.

Over the busy holiday weekend, Metrolink will offer the $10 Weekend Day Pass for adults – and each paying adult can bring three kids ages 17 and under aboard for free.

“The primary reason our riders choose Metrolink instead of driving their cars is they prefer a relaxing ride over the stress of sitting in gridlock,” CEO Metrolink Darren Kettle said. “SoCal roads are at their most stressful in the days leading up to Thanksgiving and through the weekend. We want to make it easy and affordable for everyone to enjoy their holiday by getting them where they need to go – be it for holiday get-togethers, sight-seeing or shopping – without traffic and parking hassles.”

The Metrolink Experience allows riders to relax and enjoy their trip from the moment they board the double-decker trains, with expansive windows that offer views of southern California’s diverse scenery. Metrolink trains offer various seating options, including face-to-face seating and tables that are perfect for family and friend outings. Metrolink bike cars make it easy for casual and serious bike riders to explore southern California’s many trails, while there is designated space for surfboards and picnic gear onboard, too. Visit EXPLORE for ideas about places to go aboard Metrolink trains.

On Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday, Metrolink will operate on the Ventura County, Antelope Valley, San Bernardino, Orange County, 91/Perris Valley, and Inland Empire-Orange County lines. Metrolink trains will not operate on the Riverside Line on Thursday nor Friday.

The Rail 2 Rail program, which normally allows Metrolink Monthly Pass users to take Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains on the Ventura County, Inland Empire-Orange County and Orange County lines, will be suspended between Wednesday, Nov. 24 and Monday, Nov. 29. Regular Rail 2 Rail service will resume on Tuesday, Nov. 30.

Click here for full Metrolink schedules.

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Fire Chief Michael Smith Committed to Helping Crafton Hills College

YUCAIPA, CA—San Manuel Band of Indians’ Fire Chief Michael Smith continues to be fully committed to the success of Crafton Hills College (CHC).

Smith, a CHC alumnus, graduated from the College’s paramedic program in 1992. He went on to study at the University of Redlands, where he earned his bachelor’s in arts degree in biology before earning a master’s degree in leadership, with an emphasis in disaster preparedness and executive fire leadership, in 2016 from Grand Canyon University.

Smith currently serves as a director on the CHC Foundation Board, where he helps to raise funds for scholarships, emergency assistance and program enhancement support at the College. He credits his success to getting his start at CHC and said he hopes to help the College make dreams come true for countless future students.

“I really got my start in my career field at CHC,” Smith said. “As a graduate of the CHC paramedic program, I acquired not only the knowledge, skills and abilities to enter emergency services, but moreover the passion for doing so! My support now is driven by the desire to pull up the next generation so they can enjoy the same opportunity and rewards that I have.”

As a director for the College’s Foundation, Smith helps reduce financial worries for students. Last year, Smith helped the organization launch the “Because of You” campaign with the goal of raising $1 million for an endowment to provide long-term financial strength for the College.

The endowment fund is an investment that will provide a perpetual resource of unrestricted funds for the College to use as future needs arise. Ultimately, the goal is to create an endowment that would support the needs of all students on campus year after year.

Smith brings an extensive background in fire safety and prevention to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. Prior to his position with the Tribal government, he took on numerous roles within the fire service, including serving as the executive officer and a colonel for the California National Guard’s California Cadet Corps. Smith is one of only a few dozen certified by the state as a fire chief and has been designated by the International Commission on Professional Credentialing as a Chief Fire Officer.

His dedication to service and helping those in need has taken him to all corners of the country. As a part of the Disaster Medical Assistance Team, Smith was a part of response efforts to the attacks in New York City on September 11, 2001, the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the disasters caused by Hurricane Maria to Puerto Rico in 2017.

For current and future CHC students, particularly those in the public safety programs, Smith has one piece of advice: “Make service a passion and commit to being a lifelong learner in your chosen profession.”

To support Crafton Hills College’s Because of You Campaign, visit www.craftonhills.edu/endowment. Your gift will provide direct support to students and additional funding for public safety programs, both n

Crafton Hills College recognized for high rates of Latinx student transfer

YUCAIPA, CA— Crafton Hills College (CHC) is a 2021 Equity Champion for Excellence in Transfer for Latinx students, an award conferred by the Campaign for College Opportunity, for California institutions of higher education that lead the state in Latinx students earning Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT).

This agency will recognize CHC for its achievement during a virtual ceremony on Tuesday, November 16, at 10 a.m. This non-profit organization is devoted to ensuring that the next generation of college-age students in California has the chance to go to college and succeed. ??The Campaign for College Opportunity selected colleges for the award by comparing the number of ADTs awarded to Latinx students to their total number of ADTs.

CHC graduates, including those who earn ADTs, are well-received by universities. They have some of the highest admission acceptance rates to the University of California system among all Inland Empire colleges, with an average acceptance rate of between 70 and 80 percent for Latinx students who apply to UC campuses.

CHC President Dr. Kevin Horan said that ensuring student success and working toward academic equity for all students is what the College has always striven to achieve.

“This recognition is critical because it signals to students, both current and future, that Crafton Hills College is here to support you and wants you to succeed,” Horan said. “We want to see our students thrive while they’re here and set them up to be able to transfer to a four-year college or university where they can continue to work toward their dreams.”

CHC bolstered Latinx student transfer in recent years by creating many new ADT degrees and fully supporting a variety of student services across campus, according to University Transfer Center Coordinator Mariana Macamay. She described a cross-departmental effort to stay updated on legislative changes, transfer policy, collaboration, and best practices.

“The transfer center is not solely responsible for this achievement. It started with (CHC Communications Professor) Rick Hogrefe, who was instrumental in championing the creation of so many ADTs and the faculty who supported it,” she said. “Many of our students utilize a variety of CHC’s student services, including counseling services, EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs and Services).”

Additionally, CHC has reached out to students nearing completion and created ADTs for programs with high Latinx enrollment. Macamay said CHC’s approach is unique because the various student support departments work collaboratively.

Since its creation in 2001, CHC’s University Transfer Center has focused on its mission: to advance the education of all students, particularly Latinx and other disproportionately impacted students.